Questions & explanations
1. What is the trap of familiar word pairing that reverses the required relationship?
Sometimes a pair of words that commonly appear together (e.g., 'cause and effect', 'ebb and flow') might be offered as an option, but the sentence requires the opposite relationship. For example, if the sentence says 'The medication was intended to [blank] symptoms, but instead it [blank] them', a tempting pair might be 'alleviate...exacerbate' (correct), but a trap pair could be 'exacerbate...alleviate' (reversed). Always check the logical direction: does the first blank need to mean increase or decrease? Don't just pick a familiar pair; verify the order matches the sentence's logic.
2. How to handle two-blank TC with contrast pivot affecting one blank relative to the other?
Identify the pivot word (e.g., 'although', 'but', 'however') that signals contrast. Determine which blank is on which side of the pivot. The contrast usually means that the two blanks have opposite charges (positive vs negative). For example, if the first part says 'although the plan was [blank1]', and the second part says 'it produced [blank2] results', then blank1 and blank2 should be opposite in tone. Test each pair: if blank1 is positive, blank2 should be negative, and vice versa. Eliminate pairs where both are same charge or where one doesn't fit the context.
3. How to eliminate pairs when one word in the pair is clearly wrong?
Read each blank independently and quickly assess which words could possibly fit. If a word is clearly inappropriate for its blank (e.g., a negative word where a positive is needed, or a word that doesn't make sense in context), eliminate the entire pair. Do not try to force a pair where one word works but the other doesn't. This saves time and avoids overthinking. For example, if the first blank requires a word meaning 'increase', and a pair has 'diminish' as the first word, eliminate that pair regardless of the second word.
4. How to handle two-blank TC with support/parallel structure where both blanks carry the same charge?
Look for signal words like 'and', 'also', 'similarly', 'as well as', or semicolons that indicate parallel structure. In such cases, both blanks should have the same direction (both positive or both negative). For example, 'The speech was both [blank1] and [blank2], inspiring the audience.' Both blanks should be positive. Eliminate any pair where one blank is positive and the other negative. Also, ensure that the two words are not contradictory; they should reinforce the same idea.
5. GRE often uses low-frequency words as correct answers, but also includes near-synonyms that seem to fit but don't match the exact logical role. Always check the precise meaning and context.
For example: 'The speaker was known for his _____ remarks, which often offended his audience.' Options: 'acerbic' (sharp and bitter) vs. 'sardonic' (mocking). Both are negative, but 'acerbic' fits better if the remarks are intentionally hurtful, while 'sardonic' implies a mocking tone. The context determines the best fit.
6. Strategy: Eliminate Near-Synonyms by Nuance
When two options seem similar, consider subtle differences. For example, 'specious' vs 'tendentious': both negative, but 'specious' means misleadingly plausible, while 'tendentious' means biased. Choose based on context clues.
7. Strategy: Avoid Emotionally Attractive Traps
A word may sound right emotionally but lack logical support. For example, in a sentence about a controversial decision, 'courageous' might appeal, but if the context calls for 'reckless', choose the latter. Always check logic.
8. Strategy: Identify Signal Words and Charge
Look for contrast (however, despite, although) or support (thus, moreover) signals. Determine if the blank is positive or negative based on context. For example, 'although' often reverses the expected charge.
9. A colon (:) or semicolon (;) often signals that the part after it explains, restates, or elaborates the part before it. When a blank appears after such a cue, the correct word must match or intensify the idea from the first clause.
For example: 'The politician was known for her integrity: she was completely _____ in her dealings.' The colon shows that the blank should mean 'honest' or 'upright' to match 'integrity'.
10. Comparative phrases like 'far more ... than' or 'even ... than' require the blank to have a specific intensity relative to the comparison anchor. The word must match the degree implied by the comparison.
For example: 'The new policy was far more _____ than the previous one, which had been quite lenient.' The blank should be a word meaning 'strict' or 'harsh' to contrast with 'lenient'.
11. Double negation or litotes (understatement using negation) can make the net meaning positive. For example, 'not uncommon' means 'common'. When a sentence has two negatives, the blank often needs a positive word.
Example: 'The results were not _____; in fact, they were quite significant.' The blank should be a negative word like 'insignificant' because 'not insignificant' means significant.
12. What does 'furtive' mean?
furtive (adjective): attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble. Synonyms: sneaky, stealthy, clandestine.